Diversity modules for processing radio frequency signals

ABSTRACT

Diversity modules for processing radio frequency (RF) signals are provided herein. In certain implementations a diversity module includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a low band processing circuit that generates a low band signal based on one or more diversity signals, a mid band processing circuit that generates a mid band signal based on the one or more diversity signals and that provides the mid band signal to the second terminal, a high band processing circuit that generates a high band signal based on the one or more diversity signals, and a multi-throw switch that provides the low band signal to the first terminal in a first state and that provides the high band signal to the first terminal in a second state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/670,836, filed Mar. 27, 2015, titled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FORMULTI-BAND RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL ROUTING,” which claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/982,669, filed Apr. 22, 2014 and titled “APPARATUS AND METHODSFOR MULTI-BAND RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL ROUTING,” which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments of the invention relate to electronic systems, and inparticular, to radio frequency (RF) electronics.

Description of the Related Technology

An RF system can include antennas for receiving and/or transmitting RFsignals. However, there can be several components in an RF system thatmay need to access to the antennas. For example, an RF system caninclude different transmit or receive paths associated with differentfrequency bands, different communication standards, and/or differentpower modes, and each path may need access to a particular antenna atcertain instances of time.

An antenna switch module can be used to electrically connect aparticular antenna to a particular transmit or receive path of the RFsystem, thereby allowing multiple components to share antennas. Incertain configurations, an antenna switch module is in communicationwith a diversity module, which processes signals that are receivedand/or transmitted using one or more diversity antennas.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a mobiledevice. The mobile device includes at least one diversity antenna, adiversity module electrically coupled to the at least one diversityantenna, and an antenna switch module. The diversity module iselectrically coupled to the at least one diversity antenna, and isconfigured to generate a high band (HB) signal, a mid band (MB) signal,and a low band (LB) signal based on processing one or more diversitysignals received from the at least one diversity antenna. The HB signalhas a frequency content that is greater than a frequency content of theMB signal and the MB signal has a frequency content that is greater thana frequency content of the LB signal. The diversity module is furtherconfigured to generate a combined LB/HB signal based on combining the LBsignal and the HB signal. The antenna switch module is configured toreceive the MB signal and the combined LB/HB signal from the diversitymodule.

In a number of embodiments, the frequency content of the LB signal isless than 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal is between 1 GHzand 2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal is greater than2.3 GHz.

In various embodiments, the mobile device further includes a transceiverand one or more primary antennas, and the transceiver is electricallycoupled to the one or more primary antennas via the antenna switchmodule.

In some embodiments, the diversity module includes a diplexer configuredto generate the combined LB/HB signal based on the LB signal and the HBsignal.

Accordingly to certain embodiments, the diversity module includes a LBprocessing circuit configured to generate the LB signal, a MB processingcircuit configured to generate the MB signal, and a HB processingcircuit configured to generate the HB signal.

In some embodiments, the LB processing circuit includes a first filterand a first LNA arranged in a cascade, the MB processing circuitincludes a second filter and a second LNA arranged in a cascade, and theHB processing circuit includes a third filter and a third LNA arrangedin a cascade.

In various embodiments, the mobile device further includes a diversityantenna terminal configured to receive a combined MB/HB diversitysignal, and a band selection switch including an input electricallycoupled to the diversity antenna terminal, a first output electricallycoupled to an input of the MB processing circuit, and a second outputelectrically coupled to an input of the HB processing circuit.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method offront end signal processing in a mobile device. The method includesreceiving one or more diversity signals from at least one diversityantenna and generating a HB signal, a MB signal, and a LB signal basedon processing the one or more diversity signals using a diversitymodule. The HB signal has a frequency content that is greater than afrequency content of the MB signal, and the MB signal has a frequencycontent that is greater than a frequency content of the LB signal. Themethod further includes generating a combined LB/HB signal based oncombining the LB signal and the HB signal using the diversity module,providing the MB signal to an antenna switch module over a first signalroute, and providing the combined LB/HB signal to the antenna switchmodule over a second signal route.

According to a number of embodiments, the frequency content of the LBsignal is less than 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal isbetween 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal isgreater than 2.3 GHz.

In various embodiments, the method further includes receiving one ormore primary signals from at least one primary antenna, and providingthe one or more primary signals to the antenna switch module.

In some embodiments generating the combined LB/HB signal includescombining the LB signal and the HB signal using a diplexer.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a diversitymodule for a mobile device. The diversity module includes a LBprocessing circuit configured to generate a LB signal based onprocessing one or more diversity signals, a MB processing circuitconfigured to generate a MB signal based on processing the one or morediversity signals, and a HB processing circuit configured to generate aHB signal based on processing the one or more diversity signals. The MBsignal has a frequency content that is greater than a frequency contentof the LB signal, and the HB signal has a frequency content that isgreater than a frequency content of the MB signal. The diversity modulefurther includes a MB terminal configured to receive the MB signal, ashared LB/HB terminal, and a multi-throw switch electrically coupled tothe shared LB/HB terminal. The multi-throw switch is configured toprovide the LB signal to the shared LB/HB terminal in a first state andto provide the HB signal to the shared LB/HB terminal in a second state.

According to various embodiments, the frequency content of the LB signalis less than 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal is between 1GHz and 2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal is greaterthan 2.3 GHz.

In some embodiments, the diversity module further includes a diplexerconfigured to combine the LB signal and the HB signal to generate acombined LB/HB signal, and the multi-throw switch is configured toprovide the combined LB/HB signal to the shared LB/HB terminal in athird state. In certain embodiments, the diversity module furtherincludes a first switch electrically coupled between an output of the HBprocessing circuit and a first input of the diplexer, and a secondswitch electrically coupled between an output of the LB processingcircuit and a second input of the diplexer. In various embodiments, thefirst and second switches are configured to close when the multi-throwswitch operates in the third state and to open when the multi-throwswitch operates in the first or second states.

In a number of embodiments, the LB processing circuit includes a firstfilter and a first LNA arranged in a cascade, the MB processing circuitincludes a second filter and a second LNA arranged in a cascade, and theHB processing circuit includes a third filter and a third LNA arrangedin a cascade.

In various embodiments, the diversity module further includes a firstdiversity antenna terminal configured to receive a LB diversity signal,and the first diversity antenna terminal is electrically coupled to aninput of the LB processing circuit. In some embodiments, the diversitymodule further includes a second diversity antenna terminal configuredto receive a combined MB/HB diversity signal, and a band selectionswitch including an input electrically coupled to the second diversityantenna terminal, a first output electrically coupled to an input of theMB processing circuit, and a second output electrically coupled to aninput of the HB processing circuit.

According to some embodiments, the LB processing circuit includes aplurality of low band filters having different frequency ranges, the MBprocessing circuit includes a plurality of mid band filters havingdifferent frequency ranges, and the HB processing circuit includes aplurality of high band filters having different frequency ranges.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a diversitymodule. The diversity module includes a first antenna-side multi-throwswitch, a second antenna-side multi-throw switch, a firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch, a second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch, a LB processing circuit configured to generate a LBsignal, a MB processing circuit configured to generate a MB signalhaving a frequency content that is greater than a frequency content ofthe LB signal, and a HB processing circuit configured to generate a HBsignal having a frequency content that is greater than the frequencycontent of the MB signal. The LB processing circuit is electricallycoupled in a first signal path between the first antenna-sidemulti-throw switch and the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch,the MB processing circuit electrically coupled in a second signal pathbetween the second antenna-side multi-throw switch and the secondtransceiver-side multi-throw switch, and the HB processing circuit iselectrically coupled in a third signal path between the secondantenna-side multi-throw switch and the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch.

In a number of embodiments, the frequency content of the LB signal isless than 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal is between 1 GHzand 2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal is greater than2.3 GHz.

In various embodiments, the diversity module further includes a firsttransmit bypass path between the first transceiver-side multi-throwswitch and the first antenna-side multi-throw switch, and a secondtransmit bypass path between the second transceiver-side multi-throwswitch and the second antenna-side multi-throw switch.

According to certain embodiments, the diversity module is operable in aplurality of modes including a normal operating mode and a swap mode.Additionally, the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch and thefirst antenna-side multi-throw switch are configured to select the firsttransmit bypass path in the swap mode, and the second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch and the second antenna-side multi-throw switch areconfigured to select the second transmit bypass path in the swap mode.

In some embodiments, the diversity module further includes a firstdiversity antenna terminal electrically coupled to the firstantenna-side multi-throw switch, a second diversity antenna terminalelectrically coupled to the second antenna-side multi-throw switch, afirst bidirectional terminal electrically coupled to the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch, and a second bidirectional terminalelectrically coupled to the second transceiver-side multi-throw switch.

In various embodiments, the diversity module is operable in a pluralityof modes including a normal operating mode and a swap mode, and thefirst transceiver-side multi-throw switch is configured to provide oneof the LB signal or the HB signal to the first bidirectional terminal inthe normal operating mode, and the second transceiver-side multi-throwswitch is configured to provide MB signal to the second bidirectionalterminal in the normal operating mode.

In some embodiments, the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch andthe first antenna-side multi-throw switch are configured to electricallycouple the first bidirectional terminal to the first diversity antennaterminal via the first transmit bypass path in the swap mode, and thesecond transceiver-side multi-throw switch and the second antenna-sidemulti-throw switch are configured to electrically couple the secondbidirectional terminal to the second diversity antenna terminal via thesecond transmit bypass path in the swap mode.

According to a number of embodiments, the LB processing circuit includesa first filter and a first LNA arranged in a cascade, the MB processingcircuit includes a second filter and a second LNA arranged in a cascade,and the HB processing circuit includes a third filter and a third LNAarranged in a cascade.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a mobiledevice. The mobile device includes a transceiver, an antenna switchmodule, at least one diversity antenna, and a diversity module thatincludes a transceiver-side and an antenna-side. The diversity module iselectrically coupled to the transceiver via the antenna switch module onthe transceiver-side and is electrically coupled to the at least onediversity antenna on the antenna-side. The diversity module includes afirst antenna-side multi-throw switch, a second antenna-side multi-throwswitch, a first transceiver-side multi-throw switch, a secondtransceiver-side multi-throw switch, a LB processing circuit, a MBprocessing circuit, and a HB processing circuit. The LB processingcircuit is electrically coupled in a first signal path between the firstantenna-side multi-throw switch and the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch, the MB processing circuit is electrically coupled ina second signal path between the second antenna-side multi-throw switchand the second transceiver-side multi-throw switch, and the HBprocessing circuit is electrically coupled in a third signal pathbetween the second antenna-side multi-throw switch and the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch.

In various embodiments, the LB processing circuit is configured togenerate a LB signal based on processing one or more diversity signalsreceived from the at least one diversity antenna, the MB processingcircuit is configured to generate a MB signal having a frequency contentthat is greater than a frequency content of the LB signal based onprocessing the one or more diversity signals, and the HB processingcircuit is configured to generate a HB signal having a frequency contentthat is greater than the frequency content of the MB signal based onprocessing the one or more diversity signals.

In certain embodiments, the frequency content of the LB signal is lessthan 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal is between 1 GHz and2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal is greater than 2.3GHz.

According to some embodiments, the diversity module further includes afirst transmit bypass path between the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch and the first antenna-side multi-throw switch, and asecond transmit bypass path between the second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch and the second antenna-side multi-throw switch.

In various embodiments, the diversity module is operable in a pluralityof modes including a normal operating mode and a swap mode, the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch and the first antenna-sidemulti-throw switch configured to select the first transmit bypass pathin the swap mode, and the second transceiver-side multi-throw switch andthe second antenna-side multi-throw switch configured to select thesecond transmit bypass path in the swap mode.

In certain embodiments, the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch isconfigured to select an output of the HB processing circuit or an outputof the LB processing circuit in the normal operating mode, and thesecond transceiver-side multi-throw switch is configured to select anoutput of the MB processing circuit in the normal operating mode.

In various embodiments, the LB processing circuit includes a firstfilter and a first LNA arranged in a cascade, the MB processing circuitincludes a second filter and a second LNA arranged in a cascade, and theHB processing circuit includes a third filter and a third LNA arrangedin a cascade.

According to certain embodiments, the mobile device further includes oneor more primary antennas, and the transceiver is electrically coupled tothe one or more primary antennas via the antenna switch module.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method ofsignal processing in a diversity module. The method includes receivingone or more diversity signals using at least one diversity antenna, andgenerating a LB signal based on processing the one or more diversitysignals using a LB processing circuit that is electrically coupled in afirst signal path between a first antenna-side multi-throw switch and afirst transceiver-side multi-throw switch. The method further includesgenerating a MB signal based on processing the one or more diversitysignals using a MB processing circuit that is electrically coupled in asecond signal path between a second antenna-side multi-throw switch anda second transceiver-side multi-throw switch, the MB signal having afrequency content that is greater than a frequency content of the LBsignal. The method further includes generating a HB signal based onprocessing the one or more diversity signals using a HB processingcircuit that is electrically coupled in a third signal path between thesecond antenna-side multi-throw switch and the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch, the HB signal having a frequency content that isgreater than the frequency content of the MB signal.

In various embodiments, the method further includes operating thediversity module in one of a plurality of operating modes including anormal operating mode and a bypass mode, selecting the LB signal or theHB signal using the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch when thediversity module is in the normal operating mode, and selecting the MBsignal using the second transceiver-side multi-throw switch when thediversity module is in the normal operating mode.

According to some embodiments, the method further includes selecting thefirst transmit bypass path using the first transceiver-side multi-throwswitch and the first antenna-side multi-throw switch when the diversitymodule is in the swap mode, and selecting the second transmit bypasspath using the second transceiver-side multi-throw switch and the secondantenna-side multi-throw switch when the diversity module is in the swapmode.

In a number of embodiments, the frequency content of the LB signal isless than 1 GHz, the frequency content of the MB signal is between 1 GHzand 2.3 GHz, and the frequency content of the HB signal is greater than2.3 GHz.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one example of a wireless device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a radio frequency (RF) systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an RF systemincluding a diversity module and an antenna switch module.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a diversity module according toanother embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic block diagrams of RF systems.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFsystem including a diversity module and an antenna switch module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and donot necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one example of a wireless ormobile device 11. The mobile device 11 can include radio frequency (RF)modules implementing one or more features of the present disclosure.

The example mobile device 11 depicted in FIG. 1 can represent amulti-band and/or multi-mode device such as a multi-band/multi-modemobile phone. By way of examples, Global System for Mobile (GSM)communication standard is a mode of digital cellular communication thatis utilized in many parts of the world. GSM mode mobile phones canoperate at one or more of four frequency bands: 850 MHz (approximately824-849 MHz for Tx, 869-894 MHz for Rx), 900 MHz (approximately 880-915MHz for Tx, 925-960 MHz for Rx), 1800 MHz (approximately 1710-1785 MHzfor Tx, 1805-1880 MHz for Rx), and 1900 MHz (approximately 1850-1910 MHzfor Tx, 1930-1990 MHz for Rx). Variations and/or regional/nationalimplementations of the GSM bands are also utilized in different parts ofthe world.

Code division multiple access (CDMA) is another standard that can beimplemented in mobile phone devices. In certain implementations, CDMAdevices can operate in one or more of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and1900 MHz bands, while certain W-CDMA and Long Term Evolution (LTE)devices can operate over, for example, 22 or more radio frequencyspectrum bands.

RF modules of the present disclosure can be used within a mobile deviceimplementing the foregoing example modes and/or bands, and in othercommunication standards. For example, 3G, 4G, LTE, and Advanced LTE arenon-limiting examples of such standards.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile device 11 includes an antennaswitch module 12, a transceiver 13, one or more primary antennas 14,power amplifiers 17, a control component 18, a computer readable medium19, a processor 20, a battery 21, one or more diversity antennas 22, anda diversity module 23.

The transceiver 13 can generate RF signals for transmission via theprimary antenna(s) 14 and/or the diversity antenna(s) 22. Furthermore,the transceiver 13 can receive incoming RF signals from the primaryantenna(s) 14 and/or the diversity antenna(s) 22. It will be understoodthat various functionalities associated with transmitting and receivingof RF signals can be achieved by one or more components that arecollectively represented in FIG. 1 as the transceiver 13. For example, asingle component can be configured to provide both transmitting andreceiving functionalities. In another example, transmitting andreceiving functionalities can be provided by separate components.

In FIG. 1, one or more output signals from the transceiver 13 aredepicted as being provided to the antenna switch module 12 via one ormore transmission paths 15. In the example shown, different transmissionpaths 15 can represent output paths associated with different bandsand/or different power outputs. For instance, the two different pathsshown can represent paths associated with different power outputs (e.g.,low power output and high power output), and/or paths associated withdifferent bands. The transmit paths 15 can include one or more poweramplifiers 17 to aid in boosting a RF signal having a relatively lowpower to a higher power suitable for transmission. Although FIG. 1illustrates a configuration using two transmission paths 15, the mobiledevice 11 can be adapted to include more or fewer transmission paths 15.

In FIG. 1, one or more receive signals are depicted as being providedfrom the antenna switch module 12 to the transceiver 13 via one or morereceiving paths 16. In the example shown, different receiving paths 16can represent paths associated with different bands. For example, thefour example paths 16 shown can represent quad-band capability that somemobile devices are provided with. Although FIG. 1 illustrates aconfiguration using four receiving paths 16, the mobile device 11 can beadapted to include more or fewer receiving paths 16.

To facilitate switching between receive and/or transmit paths, theantenna switch module 12 can be used to electrically connect aparticular antenna to a selected transmit or receive path. Thus, theantenna switch module 12 can provide a number of switchingfunctionalities associated with operation of the mobile device 11. Theantenna switch module 12 can include one or more multi-throw switchesconfigured to provide functionalities associated with, for example,switching between different bands, switching between different powermodes, switching between transmission and receiving modes, or somecombination thereof. The antenna switch module 12 can also be configuredto provide additional functionality, including filtering and/orduplexing of signals.

FIG. 1 illustrates that in certain embodiments, the control component 18can be provided for controlling various control functionalitiesassociated with operations of the antenna switch module 12, thediversity module 23, and/or other operating component(s). For example,the control component 18 can provide control signals to the antennaswitch module 12 and/or the diversity module 23 to control electricalconnectivity to the primary antenna(s) 14 and/or diversity antenna(s)22, for instance, by setting states of switches.

In certain embodiments, the processor 20 can be configured to facilitateimplementation of various processes on the mobile device 11. Theprocessor 20 can be a general purpose computer, special purposecomputer, or other programmable data processing apparatus. In certainimplementations, the mobile device 11 can include a computer-readablememory 19, which can include computer program instructions that may beprovided to and executed by the processor 20.

The battery 21 can be any suitable battery for use in the mobile device11, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

The illustrated mobile device 11 includes the diversity antenna(s) 22,which can help improve the quality and reliability of a wireless linkrelative to a configuration in which a mobile device only includesprimary antenna(s). For example, including the diversity antenna(s) 22can reduce line-of-sight losses and/or mitigate the impacts of phaseshifts, time delays, and/or distortions associated with signalinterference of the primary antenna(s) 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diversity module 23 is electrically coupled tothe diversity antenna(s) 22. The diversity module 23 can be used toprocess signals received and/or signals transmitted using the diversityantenna(s) 22. In certain configurations, the diversity module 23 can beused to provide filtering, amplification, switching, and/or otherprocessing.

Examples of Diversity Modules with Shared Low Band and High BandTerminal

Using one or more primary antennas and one or more diversity antennas ina mobile device can improve quality of signal reception. For example,the diversity antenna(s) can provide additional sampling of radiofrequency (RF) signals in the vicinity of the mobile device.Additionally, a mobile device's transceiver can be implemented toprocess the signals received by the primary and diversity antennas toobtain a receive signal of higher energy and/or improved fidelityrelative to a configuration using only primary antenna(s).

To reduce the correlation between signals received by the primary anddiversity antennas and/or to enhance antenna isolation, the primary anddiversity antennas can be separated by a relatively large physicaldistance in the mobile device. For example, the diversity antenna(s) canbe positioned near the top of the mobile device and the primaryantenna(s) can be positioned near the bottom of the mobile device orvice-versa.

The mobile device's transceiver can transmit or receive signals usingthe primary antenna(s), which the transceiver can communicate with viaan antenna switch module. To meet or exceed signal communicationspecifications, the transceiver, the antenna switch module, and/or theprimary antenna(s) can be in relatively close physical proximity to oneanother in the mobile device. Configuring the mobile device in thismanner can provide relatively small signal loss, low noise, and/or highisolation. Additionally, the diversity antenna(s) may be located at arelatively far physical distance from the antenna switch module.

To help send diversity signals received on the diversity antenna(s) tothe antenna switch module, the mobile device can include a diversitymodule for providing amplification, filtering, and/or other processingto the diversity signals. The processed diversity signals can be sentfrom the diversity module to the antenna switch module via RF signalroutes, which can include phone board trace and/or cables.

Mobile devices can operate using a large number of bands that areseparated over a wide range of frequency. For example, certain mobiledevices can operate using one or more low bands (for example, RF signalbands having a frequency of 1 GHz or less), one or more mid bands (forexample, RF signal bands having a frequency between 1 GHz and 2.3 GHz),and one or more high bands (for example, RF signal bands having afrequency greater than 2.3 GHz). To aid in communicating over a widefrequency range that includes high, mid, and low bands, certain mobiledevices can include multiple primary antennas and/or multiple diversityantennas implemented to provide high performance operation to certainbands. However, other configurations are possible, such asimplementations using one primary antenna and/or one diversity antenna.In such configurations, the mobile device can include a diplexer orother suitable circuitry for separating signals associated withdifferent frequency bands.

Provided herein are apparatus and methods for multi-band RF signalrouting. In certain configurations, a mobile device includes an antennaswitch module, a diversity module, and one or more diversity antennas.The diversity module is electrically coupled to the one or morediversity antennas, and processes diversity signals received on the oneor more diversity antennas to generate a high band (HB) signal, a midband (MB) signal, and a low band (LB) signal. Additionally, thediversity module generates a combined LB/HB signal based on combiningthe LB signal and the HB signal, and provides the MB signal and thecombined LB/HB signal to the antenna switch module.

The teachings herein can be used to reduce a number of RF signals thatare routed in a mobile device. For example, configuring the diversitymodule to output a combined LB/HB signal can reduce a number of traceson a phone board and/or cables used to route RF signals. Decreasingrouting congestion and/or a number of RF signal routes can reduce amobile device's size and/or cost.

Thus, in contrast to a diversity module the generates separate diversitysignals for low band, mid band, and high band, the diversity modulesherein can generate a combined LB/HB signal, which is routed over ashared RF signal path to the antenna switch module.

Additionally, the diversity modules herein can provide enhancedperformance relative to a diversity module that generates a singlediversity signal that combines low band, mid band, and high bandfrequency content. For example, the frequency content of such adiversity signal may be degraded and/or signal content associated withdifferent frequency bands may mix when sending the diversity signal fromthe diversity module to the antenna switch module over a relatively longRF signal route that may operate non-ideally. In contrast, a combinedLB/HB signal includes separation in frequency between the low band andhigh band, and thus the fidelity of the combined LB/HB signal can bemaintained when providing the signal from the diversity module to theantenna switch module. Thus, configuring the diversity module to outputa MB signal and a combined LB/HB signal advantageously reduces routingcongestion and/or a number of RF signal routes while maintaining robustsignal quality for diversity signals.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system 25 according to oneembodiment. The RF system 25 includes a diversity module 30, a first orlow band (LB) diversity antenna 31, and a second or combined midband/high band (MB/HB) diversity antenna 32.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity, the RF system 25 caninclude additional structures, such as additional circuitry, terminals,and/or components. For instance, the RF system 25 can represent aportion of a mobile device, such as the mobile device 11 of FIG. 1. Incertain configurations, the diversity module 30 can operate in a radiofrequency front end (RFFE) of the mobile device.

The illustrated diversity module 30 includes a band selection switch 33,a LB processing circuit 34, a MB processing circuit 35, a HB processingcircuit 36, and a LB/HB diplexer 37. Additionally, the diversity module30 includes a first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_D electricallycoupled to the LB diversity antenna 31, a second diversity antennaterminal ANT2_D electrically coupled to the combined MB/HB diversityantenna 32, a first diversity output terminal OUT1_D, and a seconddiversity output terminal OUT2_D. Although not illustrated in FIG. 2 forclarity, the RF system 25 can include additional structures, such asadditional circuitry, terminals, and/or components.

Although the diversity module 30 is described as including diversityoutput terminals, in certain configurations the first and/or secondoutput terminals OUT1_D, OUT2_D can operate bidirectionally. Forexample, as will be described in further detail below, a diversitymodule can be configured to include a swap mode in which diversityoutput terminals are used to receive RF signals from a transceiver.

RF signals generated at the first and second diversity output terminalsOUT1_D, OUT2_D can be routed from the diversity module 30 to othercircuitry or components for further processing. In one embodiment, thediversity module 30 is electrically coupled to an antenna switch moduleusing the first and second diversity output terminals OUT1_D, OUT2_D.

It can be desirable to reduce a number of RF signals that are routed inan RF system. For example, in a mobile device, it can be desired toreduce a number of traces on a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or cablesused to route RF signals. Decreasing routing congestion and/or a numberof RF signal routes can reduce a mobile device's size and/or cost.

In one example, a mobile device includes the diversity module 30, thediversity antennas 31, 32, an antenna switch module, and one or moreprimary antennas. To improve diversity of signals received by the LBdiversity antenna 31 and the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32relative to those received by the primary antennas, the diversity module30, the LB diversity antenna 31, and the combined MB/HB diversityantenna 32 can be located at a relatively large physical distance fromthe antenna switch module and the primary antennas. For instance, thediversity antennas and the primary antennas may be positioned onopposite sides or ends of the mobile device. To reduce RF signal routingin the mobile device, it can be desirable for the diversity module 30 tohave a limited number of output terminals and associated RF signalroutes.

Mobile devices can operate using a large number of bands. For example,certain mobile devices can operate using one or more low bands (forexample, RF signal bands having a frequency of 1 GHz or less), one ormore mid bands (for example, RF signal bands having a frequency between1 GHz and 2.3 GHz), and one or more high bands (for example, RF signalbands having a frequency greater than 2.3 GHz).

The illustrated diversity module 30 can be used to process LB RFsignals, MB RF signals, HB RF signals, or a combination thereof. Forexample, the LB diversity antenna 31 can be used to receive LB diversitysignals, which can be processed using the LB processing circuit 34.Additionally, the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 can be used toreceive both MB diversity signals and HB diversity signals. Furthermore,the MB processing circuit 35 can be used to process the received MBdiversity signals, and the HB processing circuit 36 can be used toprocess the received HB diversity signals.

Certain mobile devices that communicate over a wide frequency rangeincluding high, mid, and low bands use multiple primary antennas and/ormultiple diversity antennas that individually provide high performanceoperation across certain bands. For example, a particular antenna may beimplemented to provide enhanced performance over certain frequencyranges that include one or more bands. However, other configurations arepossible, such as implementations using one primary antenna and/or onediversity antenna.

As shown in FIG. 2, the band selection switch 33 includes an inputelectrically coupled to the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32, a firstoutput electrically coupled to an input of the HB processing circuit 36,and a second output electrically coupled to an input of the MBprocessing circuit 35. Additionally, the band selection switch 33 can beset in one a plurality of states. For example, the band selection switch33 can be set in a first state in which the band selection switch 33 canprovide a receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 tothe MB processing circuit 35 but not to the HB processing circuit 36.Additionally, the band selection switch 33 can be set in a second statein which the band selection 33 provides the receive signal from thecombined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 to the HB processing circuit 36 butnot to the MB processing circuit 35. Furthermore, the band selectionswitch 33 can be set in a third state in which the band selection switch33 provides the receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna32 to both the MB processing circuit 35 and the HB processing circuit36.

Configuring the band selection switch 33 to include a state in which thereceive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 is providedto both the MB processing circuit 35 and the HB processing circuit 36can aid in providing carrier aggregation. For example, to operate amobile device with wider bandwidth, the mobile device may communicatebased on signals transmitted or received simultaneously across multiplefrequency bands, including, for example, RF signals at both MB and HBfrequencies. The RF signals can be aggregated to increase the mobiledevice's signal bandwidth.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LB processing circuit 34 is used to process areceive signal from the LB diversity antenna 31 to generate a LB signal.Additionally, the HB processing circuit 36 is used to process the firstoutput of the band selection switch 33 to generate a HB signal.Furthermore, the LB/HB diplexer 37 is used to generate a combined LB/HBoutput signal on the first diversity output terminal OUT1_D by combiningthe LB signal and the HB signal. Additionally, the MB processing circuit35 is used to process the second output of the band selection switch 33to generate a MB signal on the second diversity output terminal OUT2_D.

Accordingly, in the illustrated configuration, the diversity module 30can be used to process LB signals, MB signals, HB signals, and/or acombination thereof, while having a reduced number of output terminals.For example, the illustrated configuration includes a separate MB outputterminal and a shared LB/HB output terminal, rather than includingseparate output terminals for each of LB, MB, and HB signals. Thereduction in output terminals can lead to a reduction in a number of RFsignals routed from the diversity module 30 to other components of amobile device, such as an antenna switch module.

Accordingly, the diversity module 30 can be used to enhance theintegration of a mobile device by reducing a number of RF signals thatare routed, including, for example, a number of cables and/or PCBtraces. Reducing routing congestion and/or a number of RF signal routescan reduce a mobile device's size and/or cost.

Additionally, the diversity module 30 can provide enhanced performanceand/or lower cost relative to a configuration in which a diplexer isused to recombine MB and HB signals for communication over a sharedMB/HB output terminal. For example, MB and HB signals can be spacedrelatively closely in frequency, and it can be difficult to recombinetwo RF signals of close frequency spacing with low loss.

For example, a power combiner used to combine MB and HB signals mayprovide 3 dB of loss, which may not be acceptable for an RF front endspecification. For instance, in a receiver 3 dB in loss from a powercombiner can correspond to a 3 dB reduction in the receiver'ssensitivity. Although a cavity filter and/or a surface acoustic wave(SAW) filter may provide sufficient frequency selectivity to recombineMB and HB signals, such filters can have a cost and/or size that can beprohibitive, particularly for mobile technology. The overhead offiltering can be exacerbated in configurations in which a mobile deviceoperates using multiple high frequency bands and/or multiple midfrequency bands, since each band may utilize a separate filter.

Accordingly, the illustrated diversity module recombines LB and HBsignals, while routing MB separately. The LB and HB signals generated bythe LB and HB processing circuits 34, 36 can be recombined using a lowloss and low cost diplexer, since a frequency separation between the LBand HB signals can be relatively large.

In one embodiment, the LB/HB diplexer 37 recombines LB signals havingfrequencies in the range of about 717 MHz to about 960 MHz with HBsignals having frequencies in the range of about 2300 MHz to about 2690MHz. Although one example of frequency ranges of the LB/HB diplexer hasbeen provided, other configurations are possible.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system 45 according toanother embodiment. The RF system 45 includes a diversity module 50, adiversity antenna 51, and a diversity diplexer 52. The diversitydiplexer 52 is electrically coupled to the diversity antenna 51, and isused to generate a MB/HB diversity receive signal and a LB diversityreceive signal. As shown in FIG. 3, the MB/HB diversity receive signalis provided to a first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_D of thediversity module 50 and the LB receive signal is provided to a seconddiversity antenna terminal ANT2_D of the diversity module 50.

In contrast to the RF system 25 of FIG. 2, the RF system 45 of FIG. 3 iselectrically coupled to only one diversity antenna, which has an outputthat is split into multiple diversity receive signals associated withdifferent frequency bands.

In certain configurations, a diversity module can include multiplediversity antenna terminals, which can receive diversity signals fromthe same or different diversity antennas. For example, FIG. 2illustrates a configuration including two diversity antenna terminalsand two diversity antennas, while FIG. 3 illustrates a configurationincluding two diversity antenna terminals and one diversity antenna.Accordingly, the teachings herein are applicable both to diversitymodules that operate in combination with one diversity antenna and todiversity modules that operate in combination with multiple diversityantennas.

The diversity module 50 includes the band selection switch 33, the LB/HBdiplexer 37, the first and second diversity antenna terminals, ANT1_D,ANT2_D, and the first and second diversity output terminals OUT1_D,OUT2_D, which can be as described earlier. The diversity module 50further includes a LB processing circuit 54, a MB processing circuit 55,and a HB processing circuit 56.

The diversity module 50 of FIG. 3 is similar to the diversity module 30of FIG. 2, except that the diversity module 50 of FIG. 3 illustrates aspecific configuration of LB, MB, and HB processing circuits. Forexample, the illustrated LB processing circuit 54 includes a cascade ofa LB filter 61 and a first low noise amplifier (LNA) 64. Additionally,the illustrated MB processing circuit 55 includes a cascade of a MBfilter 62 and a second LNA 65, and the illustrated HB processing circuit56 includes a cascade of a HB filter 63 and a third LNA 66. Although onespecific implementation of the LB, MB, and HB processing circuits hasbeen shown in FIG. 3, other configurations are possible.

Additional details of the RF system 45 can be similar to those describedearlier.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system 75 according toanother embodiment. The RF system 75 includes a diversity module 80, theLB diversity antenna 31, and the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32.

The RF system 75 of FIG. 4 is similar to the RF system 25 of FIG. 2,except that the RF system 75 includes a different configuration of adiversity module. For example, the diversity module 80 of FIG. 4includes the band selection switch 33, the LB processing circuit 54, theMB processing circuit 55, the HB processing circuit 56, the LB/HBdiplexer 37, first and second diversity antenna terminals, ANT1_D,ANT2_D, and first and second diversity output terminals OUT1_D, OUT2_D,which can be as described earlier. The RF system 75 of FIG. 4 furtherincludes a single pole three throw (SP3T) switch 81, a first single polesingle throw (SPST) switch 82, and a second SPST switch 83.

As described earlier, the band selection switch 33 can include aplurality of states, including a first state, a second state, and athird state. When in the first state, the band selection switch 33 canprovide a receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 tothe MB processing circuit 55 but not to the HB processing circuit 56.Additionally, when in the second state, the band selection switch 33 canprovide the receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32to the HB processing circuit 56 but not to the MB processing circuit 55.Furthermore, when in the third state, the band selection switch 33 canprovide the receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32to both the MB processing circuit 55 and the HB processing circuit 56.

The SP3T switch 81 operates as a multi-throw switch that provides the LBsignal to the first diversity output terminal OUT1_D in a first state,that provides the HB signal to the first diversity output terminalOUT1_D terminal in a second state, and that provides the combined LB/HBsignal to the first diversity output terminal OUT1_D terminal in a thirdstate.

The SP3T switch 81 and the first and second SPST switches 82, 83 canenhance the performance of the diversity module 80 of FIG. 4 relative tothe configuration shown in FIG. 3. For example, when the diversitymodule 80 is processing both HB and LB signals, the first and secondSPST switches 82, 83 can be closed, and the SP3T switch 81 can be set toelectrically connect an output of the LB/HB diplexer 37 to the firstdiversity output terminal OUT1_D. However, when the diversity module 80is processing HB signals but not LB signals, the first and second SPSTswitches 82, 83 can be opened, and the SP3T switch 81 can be set toelectrically connect an output of the HB processing circuit 56 to thefirst diversity output terminal OUT1_D. Additionally, when the diversitymodule 80 is processing LB signals but not HB signals, the first andsecond SPST switches 82, 83 can be opened, and the SP3T switch 81 can beset to electrically connect an output of the LB processing circuit 54 tothe first diversity output terminal OUT1_D.

Accordingly, the SP3T switch 81 and the first and second SPST switches82, 83 can enhance the performance of the diversity module 80 byisolating the HB processing circuit's output from the LB/HB diplexer 37when LB signals are not being processed, and by isolating the LBprocessing circuit's output from the LB/HB diplexer 37 when HB signalsare not being processed.

Additional details of the RF system 75 can be similar to those describedearlier.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an RF system100 including a LB primary antenna 101, a combined MB/HB primary antenna102, a LB diversity antenna 31, a combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32, adiversity module 80, and an antenna switch module 103.

Although the RF system 100 of FIG. 5 is illustrated as including thediversity module 80 of FIG. 4, the RF system 100 of FIG. 5 can beimplemented with other configurations of diversity modules, including,for example, the diversity modules shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Additionally,the antenna switch module 103 can be implemented in other ways, and theRF system 100 can be adapted to include more or fewer primary antennasand/or diversity antennas.

The illustrated antenna switch module 103 includes a first SP3T switch105, a second SP3T switch 106, a LB/HB diplexer 107, a MB/HB diplexer108, a first SPST switch 111, a second SPST switch 112, a third SPSTswitch 113, and a fourth SPST switch 114. The antenna switch module 103further includes a LB primary terminal LB_P, a MB primary terminal MB_P,a HB primary terminal HB_P, a LB diversity terminal LB_D, a MB diversityterminal MB_D, and a HB diversity terminal HB_D, which can beelectrically coupled to a transceiver (not illustrated in FIG. 5).Additionally, the antenna switch module 103 further includes a firstprimary antenna terminal ANT1_P electrically coupled to the LB primaryantenna 101, a second primary antenna terminal ANT2_P electricallycoupled to the combined MB/HB primary antenna 102, a first diversityinput terminal IN1_D electrically coupled to the first diversity outputterminal OUT1_D of the diversity module 80, and a second diversity inputterminal IN2_D electrically coupled to the second diversity outputterminal OUT2_D of the diversity module 80.

As shown in FIG. 5, a shared LB/HB signal route 115 and a separate MBsignal route 116 are provided between the diversity module 80 and theantenna switch module 103. Although illustrated in schematic form, thesignal routes can include PCB trace and/or cables. Thus, using a sharedLB/HB signal route can reduce RF signal routing overhead relative to aconfiguration in which separate signal routes are provided for HB and LBsignals.

As shown in FIG. 5, the antenna switch module 103 receives the combinedLB/HB signal and the separate MB signal from the diversity module 80.Additionally, the antenna switch module 103 can provide a LB diversitysignal, a MB diversity signal, and a HB diversity signal to atransceiver using the LB diversity terminal LB_D, the MB diversityterminal MB_D, and the HB diversity terminal HB_D, respectively.Furthermore, the transceiver and the antenna switch module 103 areelectrically coupled to one another using the LB primary terminal LB_P,the MB primary terminal MB_P, and the HB primary terminal HB_P. whichcan be used to transmit or receive signals associated with primarycommunications using the primary antennas 101, 102.

The first SP3T switch 105 and the first and second SPST switches 111,112 of the antenna switch module 103 can be set to receive desired HBand LB diversity signals. For example, when a transceiver receives bothHB and LB diversity signals, the first and second SPST switches 111, 112can be closed, and the first SP3T switch 105 can be used to electricallyconnect the first diversity input terminal IN1_D to an input of thediplexer LB/HB diplexer 107. Additionally, when the transceiver receivesthe HB diversity signal but not the LB diversity signal, the first andsecond SPST switches 111, 112 can be opened, and the first SP3T switch105 can be set to electrically connect the first diversity inputterminal IN1_D to the HB diversity terminal HB_D. Furthermore, when thetransceiver receives the LB diversity signal but not the HB diversitysignal, the first and second SPST switches 111, 112 can be opened, andthe first SP3T switch 105 can be set to electrically connect the firstdiversity input terminal IN1_D to the LB diversity terminal LB_D.

The second SP3T switch 106 and the third and fourth SPST switches 113,114 of the antenna switch module 103 can be set to control primarysignal communications over the combined MB/HB primary antenna 102.

Additional details of the RF system 100 can be similar to thosedescribed earlier.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system 120 according toanother embodiment. The RF system 120 includes the LB diversity antenna31, the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32, and a diversity module 130.

The diversity module 130 includes a single pole seven throw (SPIT)switch 121, a single pole nine throw (SP9T) band selection switch 122, asingle pole five throw (SPST) switch 123, a single pole two throw (SP2T)switch 124, a first impedance 125, a second impedance 126, the LB/HBdiplexer 37, the first and second SPST switches 82, 83, a LB processingcircuit 131, a MB processing circuit 132, and a HB processing circuit133. The LB processing circuit 131 includes first to eighth LB filters61 a-61 h and first to eighth LB LNAs 64 a-64 h. The MB processingcircuit 132 includes first to sixth MB filters 62 a-62 f and first tosixth MB LNAs 65 a-65 f. The HB processing circuit 133 includes first tofourth HB filters 63 a-63 d and first to fourth HB LNAs 66 a-66 d. Thediversity module 130 further includes a first bidirectional terminalBI1, a second bidirectional terminal BI2, a first diversity antennaterminal ANT1_D, and a second diversity antenna terminal ANT2_D.

In the illustrated configuration, the diversity module 130 is operablein a swap mode in which the LB diversity antenna 31 is used fortransmitting primary LB signals and in which the combined MB/HBdiversity antenna 32 is used for transmitting primary MB/HB signals.Implementing the diversity module 130 with a swap mode can enhance theperformance of a mobile device by allowing the mobile device toselectively use diversity antenna(s) for primary transmissions when, forinstance, the primary antenna(s) are blocked or obstructed. For example,a mobile device may be set by a user on a surface in a manner thatblocks or obstructs the primary antenna(s) such that performance can beenhanced by transmitting signals via the diversity antenna(s).

The SP7T switch 121 can be used to connect the LB diversity antenna 31to the first impedance 125, or to the first bidirectional terminal BI1via a LB bypass path 135 through the SP5T switch 123, or to various LBfilters 61 a-61 h associated with different low frequency bands. Bysetting the SP7T switch 121 and the SP5T switch 123 to select the LBbypass path 135, a primary LB transmit signal can be provided to the LBdiversity antenna 31 during the swap mode. When operated in this manner,the first bidirectional terminal BI1 receives a primary transmit signal.However, when the diversity module 130 does not operate in the swapmode, the diversity module 130 can use the first bidirectional terminalBI1 as a shared LB/HB diversity terminal. Accordingly, in theillustrated configuration, the first bidirectional terminal BI1 canoperate with bidirectional signal flow.

The SP9T band selection switch 122 can be used to electrically connectthe combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 to the second impedance 126, orto the second bidirectional terminal BI2 via a MB/HB bypass path 136through the SP2T switch 124. When the SP9T band selection switch 122 andthe SP2T switch 124 are used to select the MB/HB bypass path 136 duringthe swap mode, a primary MB/HB transmit signal can be provided to thecombined MB/HB diversity antenna 32.

Additionally, the SP9T band selection switch 122 can be used toelectrically connect the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 to variousMB filters 62 a-62 f associated with different mid frequency bandsand/or to various HB filters 63 a-63 d associated with different highfrequency bands. In the illustrated configuration, the SP9T bandselection switch 122 can provide a receive signal from the combinedMB/HB diversity antenna 32 to both MB and HB filters at the same time ifdesired. Configuring the SP9T band selection switch 122 to include astate in which the receive signal from the combined MB/HB diversityantenna 32 is provided to both MB filters and HB filters can aid inproviding carrier aggregation in a manner similar to that describedearlier. In the illustrated configuration, the second bidirectionalterminal BI2 can operate with bidirectional signal flow.

In the illustrated configuration, the first LB filter 61 a filters Band29, the second LB filter 61 b filters Band 27, the third LB filter 61 cfilters Band 28 Block A, the fourth LB filter 61 d filters Band 28 BlockB, the fifth LB filter 61 e filters Band 5, Band 6, Band 18, Band 19,and Band 26, the sixth LB filter 61 f filters Band 12, Band 13, and Band17, the seventh LB filter 61 g filters Band 20, and the eighth LB filter61 h filters Band 8. Additionally, the first MB filter 62 a filters Band3, the second MB filter 62 b filters Band 1, the third MB filter 62 cfilters Band 1 and Band 4, the fourth MB filter 62 d filters Band 25 andBand 2, the fifth MB filter 62 e filters Band 39, and the sixth MBfilter 62 f filters Band 34. Furthermore, the first HB filter 63 afilters Band 7, the second HB filter 63 b filters Band 30, the third HBfilter 63 c filters Band 40, and the fourth HB filter 63 d filters Band41.

Although one example of possible LB, MB, and HB filters and bands hasbeen provided, other configurations are possible.

The diversity module 130 illustrates that in certain configurations, adiversity module can be configured to operate using multiple highfrequency bands, multiple mid frequency bands, and/or multiple lowfrequency bands. Additionally, the LB/HB diplexer 37 can be used tocombine a LB signal and a HB signal to generate a combined LB and HBsignal that can be routed elsewhere in the RF system.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of an RF system 200 according toanother embodiment. The RF system 200 includes a diversity module 210,the LB diversity antenna 31, and the combined MB/HB diversity antenna32.

The diversity module 210 includes the band selection switch 33, the LBprocessing circuit 34, the MB processing circuit 35, the HB processingcircuit 36, the first and second diversity antenna terminals, ANT1_D,ANT2_D, and the first and second diversity output terminals OUT1_D,OUT2_D, which can be as described earlier. Additionally, the diversitymodule 210 includes the SP2T switch 207.

The diversity module 210 of FIG. 7 is similar to the diversity module 30of FIG. 2, except that the diversity module 210 of FIG. 7 omits theLB/HB diplexer 37 of FIG. 2 in favor of including the SP2T switch 207.As shown in FIG. 7, the SP2T switch 207 can be used to provide the LBsignal generated by the LB processing circuit 34 or the HB signalgenerated by the HB processing circuit 36 to the first diversity outputterminal OUT1_D, which operates as a shared LB/HB output terminal.Accordingly, rather than sending a combined LB/HB signal on the firstdiversity output terminal OUT1_D as shown for the diversity module 30 ofFIG. 2, the illustrated configuration selects between LB and HB signalsat a given time. For example, the SP2T switch 207 illustrates oneexample of a multi-throw switch that provides the LB signal to the firstdiversity output terminal OUT1_D in a first state and that provides theHB signal to the first diversity output terminal OUT1_D terminal in asecond state.

The illustrated configuration can be used, for example, inconfigurations in which a mobile device's transceiver need not receiveLB and HB signals from the LB diversity antenna 31 and MB/HB diversityantenna 32 at the same time.

Additional details of the diversity module 210 of FIG. 7 can be similarto those described earlier.

Examples of Diversity Modules with Low Intermodulation Distortion

Apparatus and methods for diversity modules are provided herein. Incertain configurations, a diversity module includes a first antenna-sidemulti-throw switch, a second antenna-side multi-throw switch, a firsttransmitter-side multi-throw switch, a second transmitter-sidemulti-throw switch, a low band (LB) processing circuit, a mid band (MB)processing circuit, and a high band (HB) processing circuit. The LBprocessing circuit is electrically coupled in a first signal pathbetween the first antenna-side multi-throw switch and the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch, the MB processing circuit iselectrically coupled in a second signal path between the secondtransceiver-side multi-throw switch and the second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch, and the HB processing circuit is electricallycoupled in a third signal path between the second antenna-sidemulti-throw switch and the first transmitter-side multi-throw switch.

The diversity module can further include a first transmit bypass path,such as a LB transmit bypass path, that is selectable using the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch and the first antenna-sidemulti-throw switch. Additionally, the diversity module can furtherinclude a second transmit bypass path, such as a MB and/or HB transmitbypass path, that is selectable using the second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch and the second antenna-side multi-throw switch. Thefirst and/or second transmit bypass paths can be used during a swap modein which diversity antenna(s) electrically coupled to the antenna-sidemulti-throw switches are used for primary signal transmissions.

Electrically coupling the HB processing circuit between the secondantenna-side multi-throw switch and the first transmitter-sidemulti-throw switch can enhance the performance of the diversity module.For example, as will be described in detail further below, electricallycoupling the HB processing circuit between the second antenna-sidemulti-throw switch and the first transmitter-side multi-throw switch canreduce or eliminate intermodulation at the output of the HB processingcircuit associated with a MB and/or HB primary transmit signal.Accordingly, the diversity modules herein can exhibit enhancedperformance, including smaller intermodulation distortion and/or greaterisolation.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a diversity module 500 accordingto another embodiment. The diversity module 500 includes a firstantenna-side multi-throw switch 501, a second antenna-side multi-throwswitch 502, a first transceiver-side multi-throw switch 503, a secondtransceiver-side multi-throw switch 504, a LB processing circuit 34, aMB processing circuit 35, and a HB processing circuit 36. The diversitymodule 500 further includes a first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_D, asecond diversity antenna terminal ANT2_D, a first bidirectional terminalBI1, and a second bidirectional terminal BI2.

The diversity module 500 can be electrically coupled to one or morediversity antennas via the first and second diversity antenna terminalsANT1_D, ANT2_D, which operate on an antenna-side of the diversity module500. Additionally, the diversity module 500 can be electrically coupledto a transceiver (for example, by way of an antenna switch module) viathe first and second bidirectional terminals BI1, BI2, which operate ona transceiver-side of the diversity module 500.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first antenna-side multi-throw switch 501 iselectrically coupled to the first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_D, thesecond antenna-side multi-throw switch 502 is electrically coupled tothe second diversity antenna terminal ANT2_D, the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch 503 is electrically coupled to the firstbidirectional terminal BI1, and the second transceiver-side multi-throwswitch 504 is electrically coupled to the second bidirectional terminalBI2.

The LB processing circuit 34 is electrically coupled in a first signalpath between the first antenna-side multi-throw switch 501 and the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch 503. When the states of the firstantenna-side multi-throw switch 501 and the first transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch 503 are set to select the LB processing circuit 34,the LB processing circuit 34 can process a diversity signal received onthe first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_D to generate a LB signal onthe first bidirectional terminal BI1.

The MB processing circuit 35 is electrically coupled in a second signalpath between the second antenna-side multi-throw switch 502 and thesecond transceiver-side multi-throw switch 504. When the states of thesecond antenna-side multi-throw switch 502 and the secondtransceiver-side multi-throw switch 504 are set to select the MBprocessing circuit 35, the MB processing circuit 35 can process adiversity signal received on the second diversity antenna terminalANT2_D to generate a MB signal on the second bidirectional terminal BI2.

The HB processing circuit 36 is electrically coupled in a third signalpath between the second antenna-side multi-throw switch 502 and thefirst transceiver-side multi-throw switch 503. When the states of thesecond antenna-side multi-throw switch 502 and the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch 503 are set to select the HBprocessing circuit 36, the HB processing circuit 36 can process adiversity signal received on the second diversity antenna terminalANT2_D to generate a HB signal on the first bidirectional terminal BI1.

The illustrated diversity module 500 further includes a first transmitbypass path 511 between the first antenna-side multi-throw switch 501and the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch 503. When the statesof the first antenna-side multi-throw switch 501 and the firsttransceiver-side multi-throw switch 503 are set to select the firsttransmit bypass path 511, a transmit signal received on the firstbidirectional terminal BI1 can be provided to the first diversityantenna terminal ANT1_D. The illustrated diversity module 500 furtherincludes a second transmit bypass path 512 between the secondantenna-side multi-throw switch 502 and the second transceiver-sidemulti-throw switch 504. When the states of the second antenna-sidemulti-throw switch 502 and the second transceiver-side multi-throwswitch 504 are set to select the second transmit bypass path 512, atransmit signal received on the second bidirectional terminal BI2 can beprovided to the second diversity antenna terminal ANT2_D.

The first and second transmit bypass paths 511, 512 can be used during aswap mode of the diversity module 500 to allow a transceiver to transmitprimary signals using diversity antenna(s). For example, in oneembodiment, the first transmit bypass path 511 can be used by thetransceiver to transmit a LB primary transmit signal during the swapmode, and the second transmit bypass path 512 can be used by thetransceiver to transmit a MB and/or HB primary transmit signal duringthe swap mode. Implementing a diversity module with a swap mode canenhance the performance of a mobile device by allowing a transceiver totransmit via diversity antenna(s) when communication via primaryantenna(s) is compromised, such as when the primary antenna(s) areblocked or obstructed.

Although FIG. 8 illustrates certain signal paths between the multi-throwswitches, the multi-throw switches can be adapted to provide selectionof additional paths. For example, with reference back to FIG. 6,multi-throw switches can be used for selection of multiple low bands,multiple mid bands, and/or multiple high bands. Furthermore, thediversity module can be adapted to include additional structures, suchas additional circuitry or terminals.

In the illustrated configuration, the HB processing circuit 36 iselectrically coupled in a signal path between the second antenna-sidemulti-throw switch 502 and the first transceiver-side multi-throw switch503. As will be described in detail further below, configuring the HBprocessing circuit 36 in this manner can enhance performance of thediversity module 500 by inhibiting high frequency transmit leakage fromreaching the output of the HB processing circuit 36 and generatingintermodulation.

Additional details of the diversity module 500 can be similar to thosedescribed earlier.

FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram of one example of an RF system 220.The RF system 220 includes a diversity module 230, an antenna switchmodule 240, the LB diversity antenna 31, the combined MB/HB diversityantenna 32, and a combined MB/HB primary antenna 102.

The diversity module 230 includes an antenna-side SP2T switch 211, anantenna-side SP3T switch 212, a transceiver-side SP2T switch 213, and atransceiver-side SP3T switch 214. The diversity module 230 furtherincludes a LB processing circuit including a LB filter 231 and a LB LNA234. The diversity module 230 further includes a MB processing circuitincluding a MB filter 232 and a MB LNA 235. The diversity module 230further includes a HB filter 233 and a HB LNA 236. The diversity module230 further includes a first bidirectional terminal BI1, a secondbidirectional terminal BI2, a first diversity antenna terminal ANT1_Delectrically coupled to the LB diversity antenna 31, and a seconddiversity antenna terminal ANT2_D electrically coupled to the combinedMB/HB diversity antenna 32.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the LB processing circuit is electrically coupledin a first signal path between the antenna-side SP2T switch 211 and thetransceiver-side SP2T switch 213. Additionally, the MB processingcircuit is electrically coupled in a second signal path between theantenna-side SP3T switch 212 and the transceiver-side SP3T switch 214.Furthermore, the HB processing circuit is electrically coupled in athird signal path between the antenna-side SP3T switch 212 and thetransceiver-side SP3T switch 214. The illustrated diversity module 230further includes a LB transmit bypass path 251 between the antenna-sideSP2T switch 211 and the transceiver-side SP2T switch 213, and a MB/HBtransmit bypass path 252 between the antenna-side SP3T switch 212 andthe transceiver-side SP3T switch 214.

The antenna switch module 240 includes a first SP2T switch 241 and asecond SP2T switch 242. The antenna switch module 240 further includes aprimary antenna terminal electrically coupled to the combined MB/HBprimary antenna 102, a first bidirectional terminal BI1 electricallycoupled to the first bidirectional terminal BI1 of the diversity module230, and a second bidirectional terminal BI2 electrically coupled to thesecond bidirectional terminal BI2 of the diversity module 230. Theantenna switch module 240 further includes a primary MB and HB terminalMB/HB_P, a diversity MB and HB terminal MB/HB_D, and a LB terminal LB.

In certain configurations, it can be desirable for a mobile device totransmit signals using one or more diversity antennas. For example,certain mobile devices can be configured such that the mobile device mayinclude a swap mode in which a primary LB signal, a primary MB signal,and/or a primary HB signal is transmitted using one or more diversityantennas.

For example, when in the swap mode, the second SP2T switch 242, thetransceiver-side SP3T switch 214, and the antenna-side SP3T switch 212can be used to select the MB/HB transmit bypass path 252 and toelectrically connect the MB/HB_P terminal to the combined MB/HBdiversity antenna 32. Additionally, when in the swap mode, thetransceiver-side SP2T switch 213 and the antenna-side SP2T switch 211can be used to select the LB transmit bypass path 251 and toelectrically connect the LB terminal to the LB diversity antenna 31.

Although configuring an RF system to include a swap mode can provideflexibility in transmission and reception of primary and diversitysignals, such an implementation may also degrade performance.

For instance, when the RF system 220 is in a normal operating mode (notin the swap mode), the RF system 220 may receive a HB diversity signalon the combined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 and transmit a HB primarysignal on the combined MB/HB primary antenna 102. In such aconfiguration, the multi-throw switches of the antenna switch module 240and the diversity module 230 can be set such that primary MB and HBterminal MB/HB_P is electrically coupled to the combined MB/HB primaryantenna 102, and such that the diversity MB and HB terminal MB/HB_Dterminal is electrically coupled to the output of the HB LNA 236.

When the multi-throw switches of the antenna switch module 240 and thediversity module 230 are set in this manner, finite switch isolation canlead to transmit leakage 249 through the second SP2T switch 242, whichcan result in a portion of the transmit signal on the primary MB and HBterminal MB/HB_P reaching an output of the HB LNA 236. Since thetransmit signal on the primary MB and HB terminal MB/HB_P can begenerated by a power amplifier (see, for example, FIG. 1), the transmitsignal can have a relatively large power, and the power associated withthe transmit leakage 249 can be relatively large.

The transmit leakage 249 can lead to intermodulation at the output ofthe HB LNA 236. The intermodulation can associated with the transmitfrequency of the transmit signal on the primary MB and HB terminalMB/HB_P and with a blocker or jammer frequency associated with thecombined MB/HB diversity antenna 32.

To enhanced isolation and reduce the intermodulation caused by thetransmit leakage 249, a filter can be included at the output of the HBLNA 236. However, such a filter may increase size and/or cost of the RFsystem.

FIG. 9B is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an RF system250. The RF system 250 includes a diversity module 260, an antennaswitch module 270, the diversity LB diversity antenna 31, the combinedMB/HB diversity antenna 32, and the combined MB/HB primary antenna 102.

The diversity module 260 includes an antenna-side SP2T switch 271, anantenna-side SP3T switch 272, a transceiver-side SP3T switch 273, and atransceiver-side SP2T switch 274. The diversity module 260 furtherincludes the LB processing circuit 54, the MB processing circuit 55, andthe HB processing circuit 56, which can be as described earlier. Thediversity module 260 further includes a first diversity antenna terminalANT1_D electrically coupled to the LB diversity antenna 31, a seconddiversity antenna terminal ANT2_D electrically coupled to the combinedMB/HB diversity antenna 32, a first bidirectional terminal BI1, and asecond bidirectional terminal BI2.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the LB processing circuit 54 is electricallycoupled in a first signal path between the antenna-side SP2T switch 271and the transceiver-side SP3T switch 273. Additionally, the MBprocessing circuit 55 is electrically coupled in a second signal pathbetween the antenna-side SP3T switch 272 and the transceiver-side SP2Tswitch 274. Furthermore, the HB processing circuit 56 is electricallycoupled in a third signal path between the antenna-side SP3T switch 272and the transceiver-side SP3T switch 273. The illustrated diversitymodule 260 further includes a LB transmit bypass path 281 between theantenna-side SP2T switch 271 and the transceiver-side SP3T switch 273,and a MB/HB transmit bypass path 282 between the antenna-side SP3Tswitch 272 and the transceiver-side SP2T switch 274.

In the illustrated configuration, the antenna-side SP3T switch 272 canbe used to provide a diversity signal received on the combined MB/HBdiversity antenna 32 to an input of the MB processing circuit 55 or toan input of the HB processing circuit 56. When the diversity module 260is operating in a swap mode, the antenna-side SP3T switch 272 can alsobe used to provide a MB/HB primary transmit signal to the combined MB/HBdiversity antenna 32 via the MB/HB transmit bypass path 282. Thetransceiver-side SP2T switch 274 can be used to provide the MB signalgenerated by the MB processing circuit 55 to the diversity module'ssecond bidirectional terminal BI2. Additionally, when the diversitymodule 260 is operating in the swap mode, the transceiver-side SP2Tswitch 274 can be used to electrically connect the second bidirectionalterminal BI2 to the MB/HB transmit bypass path 282.

The antenna-side SP2T switch 271 can be used to provide a diversitysignal received on the LB diversity antenna 31 to an input of the LBprocessing circuit 54. When the diversity module 260 is operating in theswap mode, the antenna-side SP2T switch 271 can also be used to providea LB primary transmit signal to the LB diversity antenna 31 via the LBtransmit bypass path 281. The transceiver-side SP3T switch 273 can beused to provide the HB signal generated by the HB processing circuit 56to the first bidirectional terminal BI1 or to provide the LB signalgenerated by the LB processing circuit 54 to the first bidirectionalterminal BI1. Additionally, when the diversity module 260 is operatingin the swap mode, the transceiver-side SP3T switch 273 can be used toelectrically connect the first bidirectional terminal BI1 to the LBtransmit bypass path 281.

The antenna switch module 270 includes a first SP2T switch 261 and asecond SP2T switch 262. The antenna switch module 270 further includes aprimary antenna terminal electrically coupled to the combined MB/HBprimary antenna 102, a first bidirectional terminal BI1 electricallycoupled to the first bidirectional terminal BI1 of the diversity module260, and a second bidirectional terminal BI2 electrically coupled to thesecond bidirectional terminal BI2 of the diversity module 260. Theantenna switch module 270 further includes a primary MB and HB terminalMB/HB_P, a diversity LB and HB terminal LB/HB_D, and a diversity MBterminal MB_D.

During a normal operating mode of the RF system 250 (not in the swapmode), the RF system 250 may receive a HB diversity signal on thecombined MB/HB diversity antenna 32 and transmit a HB primary signal onthe combined MB/HB primary antenna 102. When the switches of the antennaswitch module 270 and the diversity module 260 are set in this manner,finite switch isolation can lead to transmit leakage 259 through thesecond SP2T switch 262.

However, in contrast to the RF system 220 of FIG. 9A, the RF system 250of FIG. 9B can avoid intermodulation associated with the transmitleakage 259 reaching an output of a HB LNA. For example, the diversitymodule 260 of FIG. 9B provides the HB signal generated by the HBprocessing circuit 56 to the second SP3T switch 273, which in turn iselectrically coupled to the diversity LB and HB terminal LB/HB_D of theantenna switch module 260. Configuring the RF system in this manner canprevent the transmit leakage 259 from reaching the output of HB LNA 66.Although the transmit leakage 259 can reach the output of the MB LNA 65,intermodulation can be exacerbated at high band frequencies relative tomid band frequencies. Accordingly, the performance impact associatedwith the transmit leakage 259 reaching the output of the MB LNA 65 issignificantly less than the performance impact associated with thetransmit leakage 259 reaching the output of the HB LNA 66.

Additional details of the RF system 250 can be similar to thosedescribed earlier.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of an RFsystem 300. The RF system 300 includes a diversity module 310, anantenna switch module 320, the LB diversity antenna 31, the combinedMB/HB diversity antenna 32, the LB primary antenna 101, and the combinedMB/HB primary antenna 102.

The diversity module 310 of FIG. 10 is similar to the diversity module260 of FIG. 9B, except that the diversity module 260 includes adifferent implementation of LB, MB, and HB processing circuits. Inparticular, the diversity module 310 of FIG. 10 includes the LBprocessing circuit 34, the MB processing circuit 35, and the HBprocessing circuit 36, respectively.

The illustrated antenna switch module 320 includes a SP2T switch 330, afirst SP3T switch 331, a second SP3T switch 332, a third SP3T switch333. The antenna switch module 320 further includes a first primaryantenna terminal ANT1_P electrically coupled to the LB primary antenna101, a second primary antenna terminal ANT2_P electrically coupled tothe combined MB/HB primary antenna 102, a first bidirectional terminalBI1 electrically coupled to the first bidirectional terminal BI1 of thediversity module 310, a second bidirectional terminal BI2 electricallycoupled to the second bidirectional terminal BI2 of the diversity module310, a primary HB terminal HB_P, a primary MB terminal MB_P, a primaryLB terminal LB_P, a diversity HB terminal HB_D, a shared diversity MB/HBterminal MB/HB_D, and a diversity LB terminal LB_D.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first SP3T switch 331 can be used toelectrically connect the first bidirectional terminal BI1 to the primaryLB terminal LB_P, to the diversity LB terminal LB_D, or to the diversityHB terminal HB_D. Additionally, the second SP3T switch 332 can be usedto electrically connect the combined MB/HB primary antenna 102 to theprimary HB terminal HB_P, to the primary MB terminal MB_P, or to theshared diversity MB/HB terminal MB/HB_D. Furthermore, the third SP3Tswitch 333 can be used to electrically connect the second bidirectionalterminal BI2 to the primary MB terminal MB_P, to the primary HB terminalHB_P, or to the shared diversity MB/HB terminal MB/HB_D. Furthermore,the SP2T switch 330 can be used to electrically connect the LB primaryantenna 101 to the primary LB terminal LB_P or to the diversity LBterminal LB_D.

Additional details of the RF system 300 of FIG. 10 can be similar tothose described earlier.

Although the diversity module 260 of FIG. 9B and the diversity module310 of FIG. 10 are not illustrated as including the LB/HB diplexer 37shown in FIGS. 2-6, the diversity module 260 of FIG. 9B and/or thediversity module 310 of FIG. 10 can be adapted to include a LB/HBdiplexer. For instance, in one embodiment, the second SP3T switch 273 ofFIG. 10 is omitted in favor of including a SP2T switch, and a LB/HBdiplexer is included for recombining an output of the LB processingcircuit 34 and an output of the HB processing circuit 36 to generate acombined LB/HB signal that is provided to the SP2T switch. Furthermore,in certain configurations an antenna-side multi-throw switch can beimplemented as a band selection switch that can select two or more bandsat a time.

Although the RF modules described in FIGS. 2-10 are illustrated asincluding certain terminals and components, the teachings herein areapplicable to other configurations. For example, the modules herein caninclude additional terminals and/or components which have been omittedfrom the Figures for clarity. For instance, in certain embodiments,circuitry and terminals of the module used in a receive direction areillustrated, while the module can be adapted to include additionalcircuitry associated with a transmit direction.

Applications

Some of the embodiments described above have provided examples inconnection with mobile devices. However, the principles and advantagesof the embodiments can be used for any other systems or apparatus thathave needs for RF modules.

Such RF modules can be implemented in various electronic devices.Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are not limited to,consumer electronic products, parts of the consumer electronic products,electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of the electronic devices canalso include, but are not limited to, memory chips, memory modules,circuits of optical networks or other communication networks, and diskdriver circuits. The consumer electronic products can include, but arenot limited to, a mobile phone, a telephone, a television, a computermonitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system, acassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR, an MP3player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, a portablememory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, a facsimilemachine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, a wrist watch,a clock, etc. Further, the electronic devices can include unfinishedproducts.

CONCLUSION

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally usedherein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directlyconnected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements.Likewise, the word “connected”, as generally used herein, refers to twoor more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected byway of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words“herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used inthis application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not toany particular portions of this application. Where the context permits,words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word coversall of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items inthe list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the itemsin the list.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others,“can,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutauthor input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diversity module for a mobile device, thediversity module comprising: a plurality of terminals including a firstterminal and a second terminal; a low band processing circuit configuredto generate a low band signal at a low band output based on one or morediversity signals; a mid band processing circuit configured to generatea mid band signal based on the one or more diversity signals and toprovide the mid band signal to the second terminal, the mid band signalhaving a frequency content that is greater than a frequency content ofthe low band signal; a high band processing circuit configured togenerate a high band signal at a high band output based on the one ormore diversity signals, the high band signal having a frequency contentthat is greater than a frequency content of the mid band signal; adiplexer; and a multi-throw switch including a first throw coupled tothe low band output via a first signal path bypassing the diplexer, asecond throw coupled to the high band output via a second signal pathbypassing the diplexer, and a third throw coupled to both the low bandoutput and the high band output via the diplexer, the multi-throw switchconfigured to provide the low band signal to the first terminal in afirst state, and to provide the high band signal to the first terminalin a second state.
 2. The diversity module of claim 1 wherein thefrequency content of the low band signal is less than 1 gigahertz, thefrequency content of the mid band signal is between 1 gigahertz and 2.3gigahertz, and the frequency content of the high band signal is greaterthan 2.3 gigahertz.
 3. The diversity module of claim 1 wherein thediplexer is configured to combine the low band signal and the high bandsignal to generate a combined signal, the multi-throw switch furtherconfigured to provide the combined signal to the first terminal in athird state.
 4. The diversity module of claim 3 further comprising afirst switch electrically coupled between the high band output of thehigh band processing circuit and a first input of the diplexer, and asecond switch electrically coupled between the low band output of thelow band processing circuit and a second input of the diplexer.
 5. Thediversity module of claim 4 wherein the first and second switches areconfigured to close when the multi-throw switch operates in the thirdstate and to open when the multi-throw switch operates in the first orsecond states.
 6. The diversity module of claim 1 wherein the low bandprocessing circuit includes a first filter and a first low noiseamplifier arranged in a cascade, the mid band processing circuitincludes a second filter and a second low noise amplifier arranged in acascade, and the high band processing circuit includes a third filterand a third low noise amplifier arranged in a cascade.
 7. The diversitymodule of claim 1 wherein the one or more diversity signals includes alow band diversity signal provided to an input of the low bandprocessing circuit.
 8. The diversity module of claim 7 wherein the oneor more diversity signals further includes a combined diversity signal,the diversity module further comprising a band selection switchincluding an input that receives the combined diversity signal, a firstoutput electrically coupled to an input of the mid band processingcircuit, and a second output electrically coupled to an input of thehigh band processing circuit.
 9. The diversity module of claim 1 whereinthe low band processing circuit includes a plurality of low band filtershaving different frequency ranges, the mid band processing circuitincludes a plurality of mid band filters having different frequencyranges, and the high band processing circuit includes a plurality ofhigh band filters having different frequency ranges.
 10. A method ofdiversity signal processing in a mobile device, the method comprising:generating a low band signal at a low band output based on one or morediversity signals using a low band processing circuit of a diversitymodule; generating a mid band signal based on the one or more diversitysignals using a mid band processing circuit of the diversity module, themid band signal having a frequency content that is greater than afrequency content of the low band signal; generating a high band signalat a high band output based on the one or more diversity signals using ahigh band processing circuit, the high band signal having a frequencycontent that is greater than a frequency content of the mid band signal;and sending a plurality of signals from the diversity module to anantenna switch module over a first signal route and a second signalroute, including providing the low band signal to the first signal routein a first state of a multi-throw switch using a first throw coupled tothe low band output via a first signal path bypassing a diplexer,providing the high band signal to the first signal route in a secondstate of the multi-throw switch using a second throw coupled to the highband output via a second signal path bypassing the diplexer, providing adiplexer output signal to the first signal route in a third state of themulti-throw switch using a third throw coupled to both the low bandoutput and the high band output via the diplexer, and providing the midband signal to the second signal route.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein sending the plurality of signals from the diversity module tothe antenna switch module further includes combining the low band signaland the high band signal to generate a combined signal using thediplexer, and providing the combined signal to the first signal route inthe third state.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein sending theplurality of signals from the diversity module to the antenna switchmodule further includes closing a first switch that is between the highband output of the high band processing circuit and a first input of thediplexer in the third state, and closing a second switch that is betweenthe high band output of the low band processing circuit and a secondinput of the diplexer in the third state.
 13. The method of claim 12wherein sending the plurality of signals from the diversity module tothe antenna switch module further includes opening the first and secondswitches when the multi-throw switch operates in the first or secondstates.
 14. A mobile device comprising: an antenna switch module; atleast one diversity antenna configured to receive one or more diversitysignals; and a diversity module electrically coupled to the antennaswitch module via a first signal route and a second signal route, thediversity module including a low band processing circuit configured togenerate a low band signal at a low band output based on the one or morediversity signals, a mid band processing circuit configured to generatea mid band signal based on the one or more diversity signals and toprovide the mid band signal to the second signal route, a high bandprocessing circuit configured to generate a high band signal at a highband output based on the one or more diversity signals, a diplexer, anda multi-throw switch including a first throw coupled to the low bandoutput via a first signal path bypassing the diplexer, a second throwcoupled to the high band output via a second signal path bypassing thediplexer, and a third throw coupled to both the low band output and thehigh band output via the diplexer, the multi-throw switch configured toprovide the low band signal to the first signal route in a first stateand to provide the high band signal to the first signal route in asecond state, the mid band signal having a frequency content that isgreater than a frequency content of the low band signal, and the highband signal having a frequency content that is greater than a frequencycontent of the mid band signal.
 15. The mobile device of claim 14wherein the frequency content of the low band signal is less than 1gigahertz, the frequency content of the mid band signal is between 1gigahertz and 2.3 gigahertz, and the frequency content of the high bandsignal is greater than 2.3 gigahertz.
 16. The mobile device of claim 14wherein the diplexer is configured to combine the low band signal andthe high band signal to generate a combined signal, the multi-throwswitch further configured to provide the combined signal to the firstsignal route in a third state.
 17. The mobile device of claim 16 whereinthe diversity module further includes a first switch electricallycoupled between the high band output of the high band processing circuitand a first input of the diplexer, and a second switch electricallycoupled between the low band output of the low band processing circuitand a second input of the diplexer.
 18. The mobile device of claim 17wherein the first and second switches are configured to close when themulti-throw switch operates in the third state and to open when themulti-throw switch operates in the first or second states.
 19. Themobile device of claim 14 further comprising a transceiver electricallycoupled to the diversity module via the antenna switch module.
 20. Themobile device of claim 19 further comprising one or more primaryantennas electrically coupled to the transceiver via the antenna switchmodule.